Perfect skin is something most people want. Yet, having and maintaining perfect skin means keeping it healthy, which is crucial as we start to age. Some people are blessed with good skin throughout their lives, but for most of us the stress of every day living can contribute to premature aging of the skin. Despite this, there are simple ways to nurture of the health of your skin and enjoy a more youthful glow.

It helps to understand your skin’s structure and function. In every square inch of skin there are about 19 million cells, which replace themselves every 5 weeks. Skin is made up of many layers, including what is known as the collagen layer, which contains connective tissues that are responsible for keeping skin supple and tight. All these cells and collagen require continuous nourishment from Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and hyaluronic acid. Well nourished collagen is a must for youthful skin. By consuming these nutrients, you will give your skin the tools it needs to properly repair and replenish itself.

The skin’s main function is to protect your body from the outside world. In doing so it regulates your body’s temperature, provides a barrier between your body and the environment, protects you from infections and it heals the body after infections and injury. The skin also helps to convert sunlight into Vitamin D. However, the skin’s ability to bounce back and repair itself is more difficult as we age because of diminished elasticity. Skin is similar to a rubber band, which can be stretched and easily returned to its normal state when new, but as time goes on, the rubber band risks cracking and breaking when stretched.

You can’t avoid aging, but your skin doesn’t have to age prematurely. Here are some simple ways to encourage healthier, more youthful skin:

1. Hyaluronic Acid and Hydration. Ever wonder why a baby has such soft, beautiful skin? It’s rich with collagen and extremely hydrated with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring moisturizing substance in our bodies; yet its levels diminish with age. The good new is that hyaluronic acid can be replenished and restored topically and it can also be taken as a supplement. Also important: drinking at least 64 ounces of purified water daily in addition to supplementing with hyaluronic acid is a must for optimum hydration.

2. Exercise. Cardio workouts like running or swimming get your blood flowing causing oxygenation to the body, which makes your cheeks nice and flushed. Blood flow causes that redness and means that your skin layers are getting the oxygen and nutrients they need.

3. Vitamin C. Vitamin C, a rich antioxidant is important for healthy collagen. The collagen layer of your skin is formed into a cross mesh made up of thin fibers, which are weak individually but, by being woven together are strong and stretchy. The more Vitamin C the collagen layer has, the more resilient it will be.

4. Fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and moisturize your body from the inside. These have to be consumed in the form of fatty fish, flax seed oil, or fish oil, because your body can’t produce them on its own.

5. Vitamin A & Vitamin E. Both are very important antioxidants as they help delay cell damage, and for skin, are essential for the healing process.

Improving the health of your skin is just like improving your health in other areas—it all comes down to how much you are willing to invest in taking care of yourself. Healthy skin isn’t just about looking young, it also speaks to how well your body is being protected and nourished. Take charge of your skin’s health! Becoming healthy on the inside will show on the outside – you will look as good as you feel.

Health Tips
On the Go!

Improve Posture

1.Avoid slouching. Be aware of your posture as you walk, sit, and drive, keep shoulders squared and head pulled back and up.

2.Imagine a thread pulling the top of your head toward the ceiling. Visualization can help improve your sense of position.

3.If your job requires you to sit for long periods, take frequent breaks to stand, stretch and shake it out.

4.Maintain a strong core to help support proper posture. Add core-training exercises to your daily routine.

5.A firm mattress and ergonomic pillow help achieve proper back support while you sleep, so you'll stand straighter in the a.m.

Please Note: The information and all statements provided on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The information provided, and any products or services mentioned, are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Please speak with a health professional for your individual health and medical concerns and consultation.